Critic Reviews

While recent fighting game releases promise unparalleled HD graphics (both the 2D and 3D ones) and supremely balanced or deep attack and combo systems, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 throws dozens of characters and tons of action at you in an over-the-top way that no one has really been able to outdo. It'd be a silly waste of your time, but the depth here can take you months and even years to dig into, and you'll be having a great time all the way. Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is a true classic in the realm of fighting games, and Capcom has put together a faithful, fun port at a reasonable $15 price point, and has included just enough modern features to make you feel satisfied - even if you already own an older copy.

When all is said and done, if you’re a fighting game fan MvC2 is an essential purchase. It won’t be for everybody – it’s at times bewildering, even though button mashing and repeated quarter circle forward motions often result in spectacular combos. Underneath, one hell of a fighting game system is there for those of you who wish to unravel it – the game wouldn’t still be played by the pros on the tournament circuit if it didn’t require genuine skill to master. But really, the big draw is online play. That and the prospect of a trip down a Dreamcast-coloured memory lane.

The game demands that sort of devotion and investment, but repays it in spades. There's a reason why Marvel vs. Capcom 2 has been so eagerly awaited, and so revered, still being played on the pro-gaming circuit after the best part of a decade. This really is the fighting game evolved to the level of artform, and while mastery can be a long, tough slog, it's also its own reward. There are few fighting games better.

Ultimately, this is the same Marvel vs. Capcom 2 we already know. Opinions of the gameplay won't be swayed by any of the mild changes made to the HD port. Character balance is still an issue of contention; even though the game has fifty-six playable fighters, only a handful are actually competitive. I've personally no problem with the balance. The team system sort of evens things out and gives matches plenty of variety. In my eyes, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is among the best fighting games ever crafted and I'm thrilled to have it on a modern platform. I judge this port--especially the PS3 version--"worthy."

Believe it or not, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is different enough from all of the other fighting games on the Xbox Live Arcade to warrant a purchase. With 56 characters and a fun online component, it's going to take a long time before you get sick of this must-own game!

Street Fighter IV fans be advised: Marvel vs. Capcom 2, produced by the same company, is about as far removed from that game as you could conceivably get and still be in the same genre. Rather than focusing on timing and control of space, as in SF4, MvC2 is an unlikely blend of macro (there are 50+ characters to choose from, with three on a "tag team" per fight) and micro (there are only four attack buttons: light/heavy punch and kick) elements that somehow come together to form a marvelously entertaining whole.

At 1,200 Microsoft points, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 represents good value for those who missed out on playing the game the first time around or those who want to play it again without dusting off an old console. Though it's a little rough around the edges in the implementation of its biggest new feature, online play, 2D fighter fans will find that Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is well worth adding, or re-adding, to their collection.

At the increasingly regular price point of 1200 points it’s hard to recommend Marvel Vs Capcom 2 to everyone. People who live, sleep and breathe fighting games will snap it straight up, others should be a bit more cautious. This isn’t the friendliest fighter around.